The “tongues” Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians are producing today is an entirely self-created phenomenon. It is non-cognitive non-language utterance; random free vocalization based upon a subset of the existing sounds of the speaker’s native language, and any other language(s) the speaker may be familiar with or have had contact with. It is typically characterized by repetitive syllables, plays on sound patterns, and over-simplification of syllable structure. “Tongues” may be either spoken or sung. Due to the nature of how it is produced, no two people will ever have the same “tongue”.

People believe something to be supernatural because they can’t explain it otherwise.

There is _nothing_ however that these ‘speakers’ are producing that cannot be explained in natural linguistic terms.

Conversely, there are no Biblical references to ‘tongues” that cannot be explained with respect to real language. Indeed, the patristic view supports “tongues” as rational (foreign) languages.

Early Pentecostal/Charismatic ‘tongues-speakers’ looked for Scriptural references for what they were doing, since their original supposition (xenoglossy) definitely wasn’t it; however, Scriptural references were simply not there. The resulting implicit theology was not a synthesis of revelation and philosophy, but rather a synthesis of trying to make sense of the “tongues experience” in light of the narrative of Scripture.

In other words, a way to legitimize the modern phenomenon by ‘proofing‘ it in the Bible, despite the obvious overwhelming absence therein of anything resembling modern tongues – call it what you will, but the result was a virtual re-definition of Scripture with respect to the understanding/justification of modern “tongues” for this group of Christians.

Two of the best examples of this classic re-definition are the phrase “praying in the Spirit”, and the word “tongue(s)” itself.

The Greek word translated “pray in” can have several different meanings/nuances. It can mean “by means of,” “with the help of,” “in the sphere of,” and “in connection to.” Praying in the Spirit does _not_ refer to the words we are saying. Rather, it refers to _how_ we are praying.

In the three places the phrase is used (Corinthians, Ephesians, and Jude), there is absolutely no reference to ‘languages’ in connection with the phrase. Therefore, “praying in the Spirit” should be understood as praying in the power of the Spirit, by the leading of the Spirit, and according to His will. In Pentecostal/Charismatic parlance however, the phase has come to be equated with ‘tongues’. A reading into Scripture of something that was just never there.

The word “tongue(s)” is simply a more archaic word for (real) “language(s)”, nothing more. Replace “tongue(s)” with “language(s)” in these passages and the whole modern Pentecostal/Charismatic concept of “tongues” begins to become difficult to posit – “language(s)” sounds a lot less mysterious. In Pentecostal/Charismatic parlance however, the phase has come to be equated with the modern concept of “tongues-speech”. Again, a reading into Scripture something that was never there.

“Tongues” is simply not what its ‘speakers’ want/need it to be.

Modern tongues is just another tool, like chanting or meditation, etc.; a way by which one may establish a closer relationship with the divine and strengthen one’s spiritual path. In this respect (i.e. as the _tool_ it is), it can be quite powerful to accomplish this goal, as attested by many of those who use it.

Most people who use it are very keen on describing the ‘experience’; however, when examining the “mechanics” behind it, not so much.

What Pentecostal/Charismatic Christians are doing today, 150 years ago, did not exist in the Christian tradition.

Known by many different names, “tongues”, or more accurately “glossolalia”, is practiced by many cultures and religious beliefs from all over the world; it is relatively new to Christianity and certainly not unique to it.

Over 25 years ago I was kneeling by my bed praying and began to speak in tongues. To be honest it kinda scared me because I had not asked or prayed anything about it at that time; I was praying about other things entirely. I had asked at church services before but not then. Anyway I had a full blown language I could speak in or not at my will just suddenly! The LORD just gave me the gift when He wanted at or by His will; not mine. this is not to say others should have such experiences; it was mine. the next day I went and talked to a few pastors for answers and was satisfied (by some) I knew several from different denominations as I visited often. My background was Baptist which made it even more odd; but I had visited Pentecostal churches. I know this is a real gift (that I did not seek or ask for). I sometimes sing in tongues now and love it! I haven’t stopped now for over 25 maybe 30 years, hard to remember; and I dont plan on it. Praise God in Christ Jesus for the wonderful Holy Spirit Gifts He has bestowed on His Church for the edifying of the body today! Hallelujah !

Over 25 years ago I was kneeling by my bed praying and began to speak in tongues. To be honest it kinda scared me because I had not asked or prayed anything about it at that time; I was praying about other things entirely. I had asked at church services before but not then. Anyway I had a full blown language I could speak in or not at my will just suddenly! The LORD just gave me the gift when He wanted at or by His will; not mine. this is not to say others should have such experiences; it was mine. the next day I went and talked to a few pastors for answers and was satisfied (by some) I knew several from different denominations as I visited often. My background was Baptist which made it even more odd; but I had visited Pentecostal churches. I know this is a real gift (that I did not seek or ask for). I sometimes sing in tongues now and love it! I haven’t stopped now for over 25 maybe 30 years, hard to remember; and I dont plan on it. Praise God in Christ Jesus for the wonderful Holy Spirit Gifts He has bestowed on His Church for the edifying of the body today! Hallelujah !

If we are going to keep the commandments of the Lord with these manifestations, the one who speaks in tongues, will give the interpretation. He’s going to pray he may interpret, after he first receives into manifestation speaking in tongues, and he is going to trust God, that he will give him words of edification, comfort, and exhortation, by words the Holy Spirit teaches, and it’s going to come to him from the Spirit of God within, and he will have something edifying to say, for God is able to supply us with all that we ever need in Christ Jesus. He is with us always, ready to exhort and comfort us. We always have the Holy Spirit of God within us, and God will overflow within us, the words the Holy Spirit gives us. If we have it, we can say it. It will be there for us.

If we are going to keep the commandments of the Lord with these manifestations, the one who speaks in tongues, will give the interpretation. He’s going to pray he may interpret, after he first receives into manifestation speaking in tongues, and he is going to trust God, that he will give him words of edification, comfort, and exhortation, by words the Holy Spirit teaches, and it’s going to come to him from the Spirit of God within, and he will have something edifying to say, for God is able to supply us with all that we ever need in Christ Jesus. He is with us always, ready to exhort and comfort us. We always have the Holy Spirit of God within us, and God will overflow within us, the words the Holy Spirit gives us. If we have it, we can say it. It will be there for us.